The liver plays many roles within the body including protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism, detoxification, bile metabolism, synthesis of blood coagulation factors, vitamin storage, blood filtration, and metabolism of drugs. Liver disease is a generic term and can be caused by many underlying causes including chronic active hepatitis, infections, cancer, toxins, glucocorticoid or other drug administration, metabolic disease, congenital abnormalities, neighboring pancreatitis, and many others. A complete work-up should include a thorough physical examination, blood work, diagnostic imaging, and liver biopsy.
How is it treated?
The underlying cause of the liver disease will dictate the type of treatment. Mild forms of disease can be treated medically with pharmaceuticals designed to reverse the damage to the liver. In more severe cases, involving chronic disease or cancer, surgical intervention may be an option. Because liver disease affects so many parts of the body, medical management of all symptoms is important.
What is the prognosis for liver disease?
The prognosis for liver disease is more promising when disease is recognized and treated early. The liver is very resilient and can regenerate itself if some of it remains healthy. However the more severe and diffuse the disease, the worse the prognosis. A personalized treatment plan is important to slow the progression of liver disease. Talk to your veterinarian regarding the best treatment protocol for your pet.
